Fleckney library is saved - thanks to volunteers

Published:15:15Updated:16:32Tuesday 08 March 2016

The latest community managed library opened its doors on Monday in the village of Fleckney.

The library is now a registered charity and is supported by 12 trustees from the area. A team of volunteers is also in place, with others from the community keen to support fundraising and future events.

Linda Marshall, chairman of The Friends of Fleckney Library, said: “We were determined to save our village library from possible closure. There was a clear message from local people that they wanted a library service to continue in Fleckney and we were confident that we would have their support and encouragement to take this on. The response from them has exceeded our expectations.”

“It is fair to say there has been a great deal of hard work and a few challenges along the way getting to this point. Our ongoing challenge is to generate sufficient income to support the library in the future. “We are grateful for the support we have had from Voluntary Action Leicestershire, Leicestershire County Council and their library staff and are delighted that their legacy of a library in Fleckney will live on.”

The library will continue to offer ‘traditional’ services and plans for the future include extended opening hours and introducing new services and activities. Fleckney Museum will still be based in the library on behalf of the Fleckney History Group.

Other providers, including the Sure Start Children’s Centre, Age Concern day centre, Citizens Advice outreach appointments and Josiah Hincks solicitors, will also be available.